After years of waiting, the fast-growing community of Pāpāmoa East has the supermarket it deserves.
New World The Sands opened its doors on the 5th of November. This was a much-anticipated addition to the Pāpāmoa area, designed to serve the needs of a rapidly expanding town.
For locals, this is more than just a new store; it’s a milestone in a community that has outgrown its grocery options.
Mark Troup-Paul, the new owner-operator of New World The Sands, has been no stranger to taking on big projects. With a track record of leading significant change projects and refurbishments, including a massive 2.5-year overhaul of New World Newtown in Wellington during the pandemic, he was ready for the new challenge in Pāpāmoa.
After moving to the Bay of Plenty with his wife Charlotte and their three young children, the Troup-Paul family has fully embraced the lifestyle of surfing, fishing, and joining the local sports clubs.
“This is where we’ve always wanted to be as a family. Finally, opening a flagship store in Pāpāmoa is a dream come true for us and the whole community. They’ve been waiting a long time, and we’re here to deliver a store built for the future,” said Mark Troup-Paul.
With a $10.5 million investment from Foodstuffs North Island, The Sands has become one of the biggest supermarkets in the area, with a significant focus on fresh, local produce.
The store’s partnerships with local farmers, growers, and artisans will bring the best of the Bay of Plenty to its shelves, giving customers access to high-quality, seasonal products alongside everyday essentials.
“We’ve leaned into the local aspect. This isn’t just about stocking shelves; it’s about building relationships with the people who make Pāpāmoa special and bringing that straight to our customers.”
Chris Quin, Chief Executive of Foodstuffs North Island, was proud to offer Papamoa residents the choice to shop at a local, family-owned New World that will compete hard against the big Australian supermarkets to offer the best value, quality and convenience.
“As New Zealand’s only locally owned major grocery retailer, our regional Foodstuffs co-operatives applied to merge to ensure we’re match-fit to compete nationally against these big overseas players. Regardless of the outcome, we’re committed to investing in world-class stores like this one in every community we serve.”
The Sands was also built with growth in mind. Pāpāmoa is the largest population area in Tauranga, and with future developments on the horizon, the store has been designed to grow alongside the community.
Starting with 100 roles, the store could expand to employ 150-200 locals as it matures.
"The response has been incredible. We had over 600 applications just for checkout roles. The community wanted this, and we're excited to give them a store that’s befitting of Pāpāmoa’s growth."
Troup-Paul’s vision has been to create a hub for the community, focusing on fresh, quality products, fair value, and a shopping experience that reflects the vibrant, diverse spirit of Pāpāmoa. His team have committed to delivering something special with butchers, bakers, fishmongers, chefs, and signature products exclusive to The Sands.
“We’re not just opening a supermarket. We’re building a cornerstone for the community, where people can find what they need now and know we’ll be here as Pāpāmoa grows.”
New World The Sands is the fifth store opening for Foodstuffs North Island in 2024, following New World Havelock North in July, Four Square Huntly in August and Four Square Snells Beach and New World Mt Albert in October.
